To start the process of becoming an approved foster home, please fill out the Foster Home Application form and bring it to the shelter so you can meet with our Foster Coordinator.
You will also need to provide the name and phone number of a personal reference. (If you do not currently have pets and are a first-time foster, you will need to provide two personal references.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is fostering important?
Fostering helps us help more cats and kittens. Each year, generally between the months of April and October, there is a time when litters and litters (and even more litters) of kittens are born to un-fixed strays and feral / community cats. This is called "Kitten Season."
It *sounds* cute and magical (who *wouldn't* love a "season" filled with hundreds, thousands, or even millions of fluffy kittens?!) but the harsh reality is there just isn't enough space in rescues, shelters, or animal control facilities to save the massive number of them coming through the doors — at least not without foster homes willing to provide short-term care until the kittens are old enough and medically ready for adoption.
Purrfect Cat Rescue is a no-kill shelter environment and we will *never* euthanize an animal due to space. Rescue, shelter, and re-home — that is our mission. But without foster homes, we cannot provide as much of the rescue that these young kittens need.
How do I become a foster?
To become an approved foster, please fill out our Foster Home Application form and return it to the shelter. You will then meet with our Foster Coordinator who will walk you through the fostering process and any responsibilities of the foster home.
What are the responsibilities of being a foster home?
Some foster home responsibilities include:
Housing cats / kittens while they complete their medical process
Bringing cats / kitties to vaccine appointments at the shelter
Administering basic medications (like dewormers or antibiotics)
Give lots of love and attention (socializing and playtime)
Communicate their progress or issues
Write short bios for their shelter debut and Facebook posting
Purrfect Cat Rescue will provide you with any and all supplies that you may need (food, medicines, etc.). However, if you would like to provide / donate supplies for your foster cat, we do greatly appreciate any help with the costs.
How long will the kitten(s) need to be in foster care?
Our kitties stay in foster homes until they are properly vaccinated and dewormed so they can reside at the shelter safely. When a foster has been cleared for adoption by our veterinarian, we will schedule a time with you to return the cat(s) to the shelter.
Do I have to find the forever home for my fostered cat(s) / kitten(s)?
No. Purrfect Cat Rescue will handle everything once your foster(s) have been cleared for adoption and returned to the shelter.
If someone you know is interested in adopting the cat(s) / kitten(s), please contact your Foster Coordinator as soon as possible. (We do want to accommodate referrals from foster parents if we can.)
Can I introduce my foster cat / kittens to my household pets?
No. It's in the best interest of your foster(s) and your pets that they remain separated during the fostering process. Shelter cats and kittens are at a higher risk of catching or carrying different illnesses or diseases, and you don't want anything to be transferred to your household pets. If you have pets that are allowed outside, we want to also limit the risk of exposing your foster cat or kitten(s) to those illnesses.